Jeff Pendergraph pumps up the Pacers during introductions prior to a game in February. / Michelle Pemberton, The Indianapolis Star

by Zak Keefer, USA TODAY Sports

by Zak Keefer, USA TODAY Sports

INDIANAPOLIS - The ritual stems as much from Jeff Pendergraph's inkling for improvisation as it does rehearsed choreography. Most nights, he admits, he hasn't a clue what he's about to do.

You've seen it - the Pacers circling around Pendergraph, the third-year reserve forward, while he bounces and dances and screams in the final moments before tip-off. The idea? His energy becomes their energy.

"As soon as everyone gets around me, I just snap," said Pendergraph.

So, what exactly is it that he shouts?

"I can't even tell you. I don't even know myself."

There are two components to the latest version of the Pacers' pregame routine. After each starter is introduced, they're quickly greeted by Pendergraph on the court. There, they exchange a series of customized handshakes, chest bumps and choreographed leaping kicks.

Then there's the group portion, when all eyes turn to Pendergraph. It's then he puts on a show.

"We're getting ready to go out and battle," forward Paul George said. "And it's a fun way to ease the tension."

Or, of course, the most renowned in Pacers' franchise history: Reggie Miller playfully shouting at the top of his lungs at David Benner, the team's media relations director. (Or, on the topic of Miller, the well-schemed dance between him and fellow Pacer turned NBA referee Haywood Workman.)

Pendergraph's routine has become ritual for these Pacers. It's been with them for the better part of two seasons, and it'll stick around as far as their playoff run takes them.

"I think it started the second night of a back-to-back last year," Pendergraph said. "Everyone was worn out and needed some energy. Sometimes, you can tell when guys look a little flat. Eighty-two games - that's a lot of games."

So each Pacers game begins with Pendergraph in the middle, shouting and dancing and revving up his teammates. He's been doing it since his high school days in Rancho Cucamonga, Calif. His teammates grew to love it, so he brought it with him to Arizona State.

Five years later, it's with him in the NBA.

"It ties in everything we go through and what coach preaches," said reserve Orlando Johnson. "Pendy just loses it. It's not scripted. ... It's all from the heart."

It's also quick, in part because the NBA clamped down last season on drawn out pregame rituals. As soon as player introductions are finished, 90 seconds are put on the game clock. After those 90 seconds are up, teams are expected to be ready for tip.

So the handshakes are brief. In his first three years in the league, Hill had a handshake routine with three of his Spurs teammates - Duncan, Manu Ginobili and Tony Parker.

Now, there's simply not enough time. He has a routine with Pendergraph and George. Then it's game time.

"It's a bond you develop with a teammate," Hill said. "Not everyone on our team does it, but when guys get close, you create a friendship."